RESIDENTS of Poole’s sprawling Bourne Estate are looking forward to having their say when it comes to spending £1million of National Lottery cash.

The estate is set to get its slice of £200million as part of a drive to transform neighbourhoods.

Civic leaders, campaigners and residents have welcomed the Big Lottery Fund windfall, which will be used to bankroll local projects and services.

Borough of Poole communities, public engagement and participation portfolio holder, Cllr Judy Butt, said: “We’re delighted the Estate has been chosen to be part of the Big Local programme.

“This is an amazing Christmas present for the local community.

“The scheme is completely resident-led so it will be entirely up to people living in the area to use the £1million on the things that matter to them, and projects and services that will have the biggest impact on the needs they identify.”

When the Daily Echo spent the day on the estate, residents told us they wanted the £1million ploughed into youth opportunities, better child facilities and schemes to tackle anti-social behaviour.

The estate is one of 50 ‘forgotten’ areas across England set to benefit from the Big Local award.

It joins 100 areas that have already been identified to receive £1million.

Fund bosses say that the areas were picked because they faced a range of problems, including high un-employment and crime or a need for new services or activities.

Bourne Valley Action Group chairman Bob Smith confirmed |a New Year survey is being planned, to enable residents to have their say.

He added: “This is great news for the residents of the Bourne Estate.

“The Big Local programme is about bringing together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make a positive and lasting difference to their communities.”

Meanwhile, Alderney ward councillor Rev Charles Meachin said: “The local community continues to work tirelessly to help residents to develop and implement plans to make significant improvements to the area.”

Each Big Local area receives the cash to spend over a 10-year period.

What they say

JULIE Robbins, resident of 27 years, said: “This is fantastic. There isn’t much prospect for youngsters at the moment.
“It would be nice if there was some sort of scheme where apprenticeships are set up for young people.”

ANDREW Robbins, right, of Solly Close, said: “We don’t need cycle lanes or speed bumps, we need something to help the young people on the estate get on their feet.”

RESIDENT Amanda Croft, 38, right, said: “If there was a little unit closer by, like a community centre for the adults to go to. If you have problems there’s nowhere to go. We need something more central. The zig zag areas off Arne Avenue are a state again, they are just a waste of space... something could be done with them. What about another little park?”

PENSIONER Alan Wale, 74, right, said: “For the amount of children on the estate, the one park is not big enough. There needs to be more for children to do.”